Attractions in Volcanoes NP & Northwest (gorillas)
Gorillas in the mist and dramatic peaks 🦍🌋
Showing 20 attractions · Sorted by importance
Dian Fossey Grave and Karisoke Ruins
📍 Kinigi
🏰 CastleA significant historic pilgrimage site located between volcanoes, marking the original research station and final resting place of the famous primatologist.
Kwita Izina (Gorilla Naming Ceremony)
📍 Kinigi
🎭 EventTypically held in September, this world-renowned week-long celebration culminates in a ceremony naming newborn mountain gorillas. Inspired by the Rwandan tradition of naming children, it attracts global conservationists, celebrities, and thousands of international visitors. The event includes a series of conservation dialogues, community projects, and a gala dinner, set against the backdrop of the Virunga Mountains.
Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike
📍 Kinigi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling9km challenging 6-7 hour day hike to a stunning volcanic crater lake at 3,711m with 1,100m elevation gain. The trail leads through dense hagenia-hypericum forests and steep volcanic terrain.
Mount Karisimbi Trek
📍 Kinigi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling21km expert 2-day trek to the highest peak in Rwanda (4,507m) with 1,900m elevation gain. Includes overnight camping at high altitude. Known for diverse ecosystems from bamboo forests to alpine meadows.
Twin Lakes (Burera and Ruhondo)
📍 Musanze
🏔 Scenic ViewA scenic outdoor activity hub perfect for families to enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and birdwatching against a volcanic backdrop.
Volcanoes National Park
📍 Kinigi
🌲 NatureA world-renowned sanctuary encompassing five volcanoes and the primary habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla.
Congo Nile Trail
📍 Rubavu
🥾 Hiking & Cycling227km challenging 5-10 day multi-stage route along the shores of Lake Kivu with approximately 3,000m cumulative elevation gain. Ideal for hiking or mountain biking. Bike rental: Rwandan Adventures (rwandan-adventures.com).
Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
📍 Kinigi
🌲 NatureA world-class conservation facility featuring extensive native plant gardens, a living laboratory, and interactive exhibits about mountain gorilla conservation.
Iby’iwacu Cultural Village (Gorilla Guardians)
📍 Kinigi
🐄 FarmA community-owned village where families can experience traditional Rwandan life through dancing, archery, and demonstrations of ancient medicinal practices.
Kivu Belt Scenic Highway
📍 Rubavu (Gisenyi)
🚗 Road Trip185km paved highway (3-5 hours). A world-class asphalt road (RN11) that hugs the jagged coastline of Lake Kivu. Highlights include spectacular vistas of the lake's many islands, steep emerald green hills, and the scenic drive through the towns of Karongi and Nyamasheke.
Dian Fossey Tomb Trail
📍 Kinigi
🥾 Hiking & Cycling6km moderate 3-4 hour hike to the historic Karisoke Research Center ruins at 3,000m with 300m elevation gain. The path winds through bamboo forests frequently visited by mountain gorillas.
Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo
📍 Musanze
🏔 Scenic ViewKnown as the Twin Lakes, these stunning deep-blue water bodies offer breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes and terraced hillsides.
Nyamyumba Hot Springs
📍 Rubavu
♨ Hot SpringNatural geothermal springs on the shores of Lake Kivu with source temperatures reaching 70°C. The site features community-managed outdoor mineral pools, therapeutic hot mud treatments, and traditional massage services. It is popular for its high mineral content including sulfur and sodium, used for treating skin conditions and joint pain.
Red Rocks Intercultural Center
📍 Musanze
🐄 FarmA social enterprise hub offering hands-on rural experiences including traditional basket weaving, honey harvesting, and local agricultural tours.
Twin Lakes Cycling Route
📍 Musanze
🥾 Hiking & Cycling55km moderate 5-6 hour cycling loop circumnavigating Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo with 800m elevation gain. Features dramatic views of the Virunga volcanoes. Bike rental: Africa Rising Cycling Center (arcc.rw).
Twin Lakes Scenic Drive
📍 Musanze
🚗 Road TripApproximately 35km loop (2-3 hours). The route is paved from Musanze toward the lakes, transitioning to well-maintained gravel on the ascent to the viewpoints. It offers world-famous panoramas of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo with the backdrop of the Virunga Volcanoes (Bisoke, Muhabura, and Gahinga).
Cathedral of Ruhengeri
📍 Musanze
🏛 LandmarkA prominent religious landmark in the heart of Musanze, known for its red-brick architecture and significance to the local community.
